Clavicle Fracture In Children
GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is a clavicle fracture? A clavicle (KLAV-i-kl) fracture (FRAK-chur) is a break in the clavicle (collarbone). The clavicle is a long bone that connects the upper arm to the trunk of the body. One end of the clavicle is connected to the breastbone and the other is attached to the shoulder blade. There is a clavicle on each side of the front, upper part of the chest. The clavicle holds the shoulder joint away from the body to allow for greater movement. It also protects nerves and blood vessels coming from the neck and going to the arms. A clavicle fracture is the most common bone fracture in children.
What causes a clavicle fracture? A clavicle fracture in children is commonly caused by injury or trauma. Most injuries occur while the child is at play. This usually happens when a child falls on his outstretched hand or lands on his shoulder. A direct blow to the shoulder may also cause a clavicle fracture. This may occur during a fight, a car accident, or in any contact sport, such as football and wrestling. Clavicle fractures may also occur during a difficult vaginal delivery when the baby passes through a narrow birth canal.
What are the signs and symptoms of a clavicle fracture? Your child may have pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising, or a bump in the injured area. The bones may poke through the skin, not look normal, or look out of place. The shoulder and arm may feel weak, numb, and tingly. He may also have trouble moving his shoulder and arm. Your child may need to support the arm with his other hand to decrease the pain. In newborns, your baby may not move his arm freely on the affected side. The caregiver may feel a lump or roughness in the affected clavicle of your newborn.
How is a clavicle fracture diagnosed? Your child may have one or more of the following:
- Bone scan: During this test, pictures are taken of your child's bones. Your child is given a small, safe amount of radioactive dye in an IV. Caregivers can look at the pictures for broken bones, infection, or cancer in the bones.
- Computerized tomography scan: This is also called a CT or CAT scan. A special x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of your child's clavicle. He may be given dye before the pictures are taken. The dye is usually given in his vein (IV). The dye may help your child's caregiver see the pictures better. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell your child's caregiver if he is allergic to iodine, shellfish, or have other allergies or medical conditions.
- Magnetic resonance imaging scan: This test is also called an MRI. An MRI uses magnetic waves to take pictures of your child's clavicle, chest bone, and shoulder areas. During an MRI, pictures are taken of his bones, muscle, joints, or blood vessels. He will need to lie still during an MRI. Never enter the MRI room with an oxygen tank, watch, or any other metal objects. This may cause serious injury.
- X-rays: Your child may need x-rays of his clavicle, chest bone, and shoulder to check for broken bones or other problems. X-rays of both his injured and uninjured clavicles may be taken.
How is a clavicle fracture treated? Treatment will depend on the damage and the kind of fracture your child has. Most broken clavicles heal on their own. It is very important to keep his arm from moving to allow the clavicle to heal properly. The younger your child is, the faster the fracture will heal without further problems. Your child may need any of the following:
- Medicines: Medicines may be given to help ease your child's pain. Your child may also need antibiotic medicine or a tetanus shot if there is a break in the skin.
- Splint or sling: There are several types of slings that may be used to prevent a broken clavicle from further damage. A figure-of-eight splint wraps around your child's shoulders to keep them back. His arm may also be placed in a simple clavicle strap for support and comfort.
- Supportive therapy: Ice packs may be put on your child's fractured clavicle to decrease swelling, pain, and redness. Physical therapy may be needed once swelling and pain are gone to help your child's clavicle fracture heal faster. Exercises that increase range of motion may be done as the pain decreases. This helps to bring back the strength and power of your child's shoulders and arms.
- Surgery: Your child may need surgery to return the bones to their normal position if the fracture is severe. Surgery may also be needed to fix a clavicle that sticks out through the skin. Pins, plates, and screws may be used to hold the bone together. Further problems, such as an injury to a nerve or blood vessel, may also be treated with surgery.
Where can I find more information? Having a clavicle fracture may make it hard for your child to continue his usual activities. It may make things difficult for you, your child, and your family. Contact the following for more information:
- American Academy of Family Physicians
PO Box 11210
Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210
Phone: 1-913-906-6000
Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
6300 North River Road
Rosemont, IL 600184262
Phone: 1-847-8237186
Web Address: http://www.aaos.org/
- American Physical Therapy Association
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 1-800-999-2782
Web Address: http://www.apta.org
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat your child.
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